AUGUSTA, Ga (WFXG) - Expansion and improvement, that is what is on the horizon for Augusta University as they move forward with a grant of nearly $100 million from the state of Georgia for a new medical research facility.
AU has been one of the nation's top medical programs, continuously improving with world-class research, but they have been limited by one factor, space, the one thing this constantly growing university is in need of.
"We have the fourth largest medical school in the country (by enrollment), so we need a lot more opportunities to do research," said David Hess, the dean of the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). "We have to hire more researchers, and we have to have better space to do research."
The confirmation of a new space for the ability to continue medical advancements has sparked excitement within the school.
"This is an enormous win for both MCG, AU and the greater Augusta community," said David Stepp, the dean of research at MCG, when speaking on what it feels like to see the school grow. "I was hired here 25 years ago with a promise that they would build a new building, so to see that come to fruition, just today, is an enormous win for us."
Dr. Russell Keen, the president of Augusta University said the future of the school and the surrounding area is "very bright".
"It allows Augusta University and the medical college to have more clinical trials," said Keen. "The members of our community, as well as our entire state, will make Augusta and the Medical College of Georgia a destination for healthcare."
Every federal dollar that goes towards the medical college puts $2.46 into the local and regional economy, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
This fiscal year alone, MCG at Augusta University sits with $72 million in NIH funding.
"This building is going to have a very direct impact to our local economy, but indirectly, it could potentially benefit the healthcare for families all over the CSRA," said Keen.
Officials at the school believe the new 150,000-square-foot research building will help propel AU and MCG towards their goal of being the best in the nation.
"What it's gonna do for the school is it's gonna put us on the map. We're banking on research, not just for the future of this institution, but for the future of healthcare across this entire state," said Keen. "It's also gonna be a destination for students who are serious about their education and who want to be a part of the best institution."
Leaders at the university estimate the design and building process could be completed in the next four years, continuing to establish Augusta University as a national leader in medical research and studies.